Senators give standing O to SEALS, ask Birdwell to lead in pledge

Texas senators gave a standing ovation to the Navy SEALS and others involved in the Bin Laden operation, and Sen. John Whitmire asked Sen. Brian Birdwell to lead them in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Whitmire, D-Houston, called Birdwell, R-Granbury, “our own hero.” Whitmire was one of many who praiseded Birdwell, who was terribly injured as an Army lieutenant colonel at the Pentagon during the 9-1-1 attack.

Several senators rose to speak on the occasion. Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville, said Americans can move forward “from the pain and anger we have experienced since 9-1-1. This is our moment to put to rest many of our fears.”

Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, lauded the SEALS for putting their lives on the line and President Obama for deciding to carry out the riskier operation instead of sending a missile because “the president wanted to be sure they had the right person.”

As Americans, Fraser said, “We do it the right way. We never do it the easy way.”